Distracted Driving Attorney in York: Know Your Rights
Since the introduction of cell phones, GPS navigation systems, and other portable electronic devices, the number of auto accidents caused by distracted driving has risen significantly.
When auto accidents happen these days, often the first question asked is, “Was the person who caused the accident texting or talking on the phone?” It’s a valid question as the National Safety Council reports cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes a year.
No matter what distraction gets in the way, if you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident as the result of a careless or distracted driver, our attorneys at Dale E. Anstine can answer your questions, free of charge.
We’re here to take the burden off of you, and to assist with the insurance calls, the doctor’s appointments, medical bills and more.
Distracted Driving Accident Statistics
Distracted drivers injure more than 1,600 people every single day in the United States. Sadly, this past year, this dangerous driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people. That’s nearly ten percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
In Pennsylvania, we’ve seen about 500 injuries due to distracted driving over the past five years. We all know the dangers of distracted driving and yet, people still do it every day.
Distracted Driving Laws
To combat the growing health concern surrounding distracted driving, many states, including Pennsylvania, have passed legislation limiting or even banning the use of certain types of devices while driving.
Meanwhile, federal laws ban commercial vehicle drivers from texting or using cell phones while driving. Any driver breaking the law can be fined up to $2,750, and multiple convictions can result in a driver losing their license. Commercial vehicles include large trucks and tractor-trailers.
Due to their size and rate of speed, accidents involving these types of vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries. When commercial vehicle drivers break the law, truckers and their employers can face liability for the injuries they cause.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies three main types of driver distractions.
- Visual distractions happen when a driver looks away from the roadway to visually obtain information.
- Manual distractions happen when the driver takes their hand off the steering wheel to manipulate a device.
- Cognitive distractions are those that involve a driver thinking about something other than the task at hand—driving.
Some distracted drivers are involved in more than one type of distraction at a time, making the roads even more dangerous to unsuspecting accident victims.
Types of Distracted Driving
While many statistics and studies suggest texting is among the most dangerous and prevalent type of distracted driving, there are many other types of distracted driving that could result in accidents, including:
- Talking on the phone
- Using a GPS device
- Adjusting the radio
- Eating
- Reading
- Makeup Application
- Talking to other passengers
- Looking at scenery
- Listening to loud music or podcasts
- Dealing with misbehaving children
Statute of Limitations in Distracted Driving Accidents
In most cases in Pennsylvania, an injured car accident victim has two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. There are some limited extenuating circumstances for exceptions. Typically, however, if an injured victim doesn’t file within that period, they forever lose their right to seek monetary compensation for injuries and damages incurred as a result of the distracted driving incident.
Time is absolutely critical following any type of accident. It is imperative to call an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in distracted driving accidents in York, PA as soon as possible.
What Can You Be Compensated For?
When an accident happens due to the negligence of someone else, damages sustained may be both economical and non-economical. Did you know you can be compensated for the following?
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost earning capacity
- Permanent damages
- Disabilities
- Psychological or psychiatric harm
- Loss of consortium—including spousal companionship and support
Contact Our Distracted Driving Attorneys in York, PA Right Away!
After a distracted driving accident, the at fault driver’s insurance company will do everything it can to minimize its damages. That means they will try to deny or diminish the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Often, they reach out to the injured immediately following an accident in hopes the victim says something that will jeopardize their case. Do not speak to the insurance company! Our attorneys at Dale E. Anstine will do the talking to ensure you have the best chance at maximized compensation.
The insurance company may also try to offer you a quick settlement hoping you’ll sign off on your injuries. Do not sign a thing! Have our attorneys take a look at everything before you take action.
Our law firm has been practicing personal injury law in York and Adams counties for decades. Let us focus on your distracted driving case while you recover from your injuries. We do not charge a fee for representation unless we win your case for you, so reach out today for help.